Athletes of the Week

for April 8-14

BOYS

By the numbers: Adams, a sophomore, won the shot put at the Pearl Invitational with a throw of 55-11/4, best in the state this year.

Coach-speak: "He's a great competitor who loves to compete against the best," said Nathan McLaurin. "He always likes to rise to the occasion."

The 411: Adams was an All-Metro defensive lineman last fall when the Bulldogs reached the 6A championship game.

Born: Jan. 23, 1996, in Brandon

Favorite athlete: LeBron James

Toughest opponent: Deon Mix of South Panola in the championship game.

Movie: Friday Night Lights

Food: Pasta

Person he would most like to meet: Denzel Washington

Next year: Adams has practiced throwing the discus and would like to do both weight events next year. "If I can learn the technique, I can do it," he said.

Ten years from now: Adams hopes to be playing in the NFL.

Statewide

Bailey Wray

Pontotoc/Powerlifting

By the numbers: Wray, a 321-pound junior, is Mississippi's top powerlifter after winning the 4A state meet at super heavyweight with lifts totaling a record 1,900 pounds. He had personal bests in the squat (775 pounds) and dead lift (720) and a bench press of 405 pounds.

Coach-speak: "He is an extremely dedicated and focused athlete. And he's a very quiet, unassuming kid," said Michael Mahoney.

The 411: Wray also won 4A super heavyweight last year.

Born: June 17, 1996, in Pontotoc

Toughest opponent: Jaswan Jackson of South Pike, runner-up to Wray at the 4A meet.

Movie: Bigger Stronger Faster

Dream vacation destination: Muscle Beach, Calif.

Ten years from now: Wray hopes to be a sports physical therapist.

How it started: Wray was recruited to the team by classmate Colton Bramlett, the 4A 198-pound winner. "He's my workout partner," Wray said.

Going for a ton: Wray is confident that he will be able to total 2,000 pounds next year.

GIRLS

Metro Area

Tiara Jenkins

Pearl/Powerlifting

By the numbers: Jenkins, a freshman, won the 132-pound weight class for Class III at the state meet while setting weight class records for the squat with 320 pounds and total weight with 765 pounds. She also bench-pressed 130 pounds and had a dead lift of 315.

Coach-speak: "Tiara is one of the leaders of our team," said Steve McCann. "She is a competitor, and when the lights come on she is at her best."

The 411: Jenkins also won at 132 last year, helping the Lady Pirates win the team title.

Born: Dec. 18, 1997, in Jackson

Toughest opponent: Cierra Bernard (formerly of Ridgeland)

Movie: Why Did I Get Married Too?

Food: Macaroni and cheese

Pet: Jenkins has a fish named Lynn

Dream vacation destination: New York City

Ten years from now: Jenkins hopes to be a pro softball player and a veterinarian.

Sporting preference: Jenkins also plays slow-pitch softball (third base) and fast-pitch (second base) for the Lady Pirates, but powerlifting is her favorite.

Statewide

Olivia Burns

Grenada/Fast-pitch softball

By the numbers: Burns, an eighth-grader, pitched a 2-hitter for a 7-0 win over Tupelo, gave up 3 hits and one earned run in a 4-2 victory over Caledonia and pitched 42/3 hitless innings in relief in a 4-3 win over Smithville, totaling18 strikeouts in 172/3 innings.

Coach-speak: "She is ambitious, hard-working and all heart," said Leslie Lancaster. "As an eighth-grader, she has really stepped up."

The 411: Burns is 4-5 with a 2.00 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 58 innings, helping the Lady Chargers reach the 6A playoffs.

Born: May 4, 1999, in Oxford

Favorite athlete: Cat Osterman

Toughest opponent: Nicole Fullilove (South Panola)

TV: Burns tunes in whenever a softball game is on the tube.

Food: Hot dogs

Dream vacation site: Disney World

Both ends of the battery: Burns catches when she is not in the circle but doesn't have a preference. "I just love the game of softball," she said.

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Athletes of the Week

BOYSMetro AreaFletcher AdamsBrandon/TrackBy the numbers: Adams, a sophomore, won the shot put at the Pearl Invitational with a throw of 55-11/4, best in the state this year.Coach-speak: 'He's a great